Few men among the Disciples have obtained
a more enviable reputation, and enjoyed more generally the confidence of the
brethren, than the subject of this notice. Blessed with more than an average
amount of practical common sense, and having faithfully done his duty in all the
positions he has occupied, it is not strange that he should now be regarded as
one of the safest and truest men in the Church of Christ.

JOHN W. M'GARVEY was born in
Hopkinsville, Kentucky, March 1, 1829. His father was born in Ireland, and, when
grown, came to America, and settled at Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where, with a
small capital, he went into the dry-goods business. His mother was a Miss
THOMSON, of old Virginia stock, and was born and reared near Georgetown,
Kentucky. In 1833, his father died, and, some time after, his mother was married
to Dr. G. F. SALTONSTALL.

In 1839,
the family removed to Tremont, Tazewell County, Illinois, where he was trained
to industry by his step-father, and thoroughly instructed in primary and
academic branches by Mr. JAMES K. KELLOGG, a successful educator of that place.
In April, 1847, he entered the Freshman Class of Bethany College. While at
college he made the good confession, and was immersed, by
Professor PENDLETON, in April, 1848. So soon as he became a Christian, he
determined to devote his life to the preaching of the Gospel, and it was not
long before he gave very conclusive evidence of fitness for the work. In July,
1850, he graduated as one of the honor men, delivering the Greek speech, and
receiving marked tokens from the faculty of their high appreciation of his
scholarship.

Meantime, his family
had removed to Fayette, Missouri, at which place, soon after leaving college, he
taught a male school for ten months. In June, 1851, his step-father died of
cholera, while on his way to attend the commencement of Bethany College. He was
a warm friend of the college, and gave it twenty-five hundred dollars while
living, and left it a child's part in his estate.

At the call of the Church in Fayette, Brother M'GARVEY gave up his school, and,
in September, 1851, was ordained to the work of the ministry, and afterward
preached for the Church at Fayette and neighboring county churches until
February, 1853, when he removed to Dover, Lafayette County, Missouri. In March,
1853, he was married to OTTIE F. HIX, of Fayette.

He resided at Dover nine years, and, during this period, he spent about half of
the time at home, and, the remainder, preaching extensively over the State of
Missouri, holding five public debates with various religious parties; he also
collected money to erect a boarding-school in his village, and conducted the
school two years.

In the spring of
1862, he accepted the pastoral care of the Church in Lexington, Kentucky, where
a large field of usefulness was open to him. During the same year he published
his "Commentary on Acts," which had occupied all the time he could devote to it
for three and a half years. This is a work of decided merit, and at once fixes
his reputation as a fine Biblical scholar.

On the removal of Kentucky University to Lexington, in 1865, he accepted a chair
in the College of the Bible, with the understanding that only a small portion of
his time was to be devoted to teaching, such as would not materially interfere
with his labors in the Church. Under his ministry, the Church had reached a
remarkable degree of prosperity, and his labors were highly appreciated by the
entire congregation. But, finding that his whole time was needed in the
university, in 1866, he resigned his charge of the Church; but, as the Church
has not succeeded in obtaining the regular services of a suitable man, he has
not yet been relieved. President GRAHAM, however,
now shares the labor of preaching with him.

Brother M'GARVEY is a little below medium size, has dark hair, light hazel eyes,
and a very youthful appearance for one of his age. He is very strict and regular
in his habits, and this fact explains why it is that he has been able to
accomplish so much mental labor without impairing his health.

That which most distinguishes him as a writer and speaker is clearness; there is
never the slightest confusion in his ideas. He has very little imagination, and
relies almost exclusively on facts for effect. His mind is well stored with
these, and, in the construction and management of an argument, he uses them with
great ease and success. In debate he is one of the safest and ablest men among
the Disciples, and not the least source of power here is his remarkable
coolness--he is never thrown off his guard.

As a teacher, he has very few superiors. Knowledge is what a student needs;
hence, the matter-of-fact man is always the best teacher—all other things being
equal. But Brother M'GARVEY is also an excellent preacher, and, as a pastor, has
been eminently successful. He has a kind, generous nature, but is not very
demonstrative. He attends strictly to his own business.

"Brother McGarvey," as he affectionately was called, was a second generation
Restoration leader. As a serious student, he was willing to pay the price to
become a Bible scholar. By budgeting his time and caring for his health he was
able to contribute liberally to Restorationism.

As a young boy, McGarvey heard very little constructive preaching. He entered
Bethany College as a non-Christian. However, in a short time he obeyed the
gospel under the preaching of Pendleton, one of his professors. He was baptized
in Buffalo Creek. McGarvey heard Campbell preach frequently in the little
Bethany congregation. He graduated in a class of 12 and gave the valedictory
address in Greek, which was the custom of those commencement exercises.

After graduation from Bethany, McGarvey preached several years in Missouri, and
the last nine were with the Dover church. While living in Dover, he conducted
discussions in which Ben Franklin and Lard debated denominational preachers. In
preaching, McGarvey spoke with plainness of speech. A child could follow his
sermons, and adults wondered why they could not speak like him.

McGarvey believed in the verbal inspiration of the Bible and promised to defend
the Bible through thick and thin. He believed that Isaiah was Isaiah, Jonah was
Jonah, there was a great fish, and Balaam's ass spoke Hebrew as well as his
master.

McGarvey was a preacher who was easy to hear and hard to forget. He was a strong
doctrinal preacher and enjoyed preaching from the book of Acts. His favorite
preaching method was to take a New Testament text and illustrate it with an Old
Testament story.

Concerning the issues of his day, McGarvey took a strong stand against
instrumental music. He refused to hold membership where it was used. He favored
cooperation among congregations and lent encouragement to the missionary
society. He wrote opposing Christians engaging in carnal warfare.

He moved to Lexington, Ky., from Missouri because he spoke out against
Christians participating in war and preached to a number of blacks, which some
brethren opposed. When McGarvey became the preacher for the Main Street church
in Lexington, it was the fourth largest in town. In a short time it was the
largest.

Later, he preached 10 years for the Broadway church in Lexington. He also served
there as an elder until 1902 at which time he resigned because of deafness.
Within the same year, the McGarveys left Broadway because of the introduction of
instrumental music into the congregation. They identified with the Chester
Street church.

After graduating he was offered a position on the faculty three times, but he
refused because he wanted to teach only the Bible. The opportunity came in 1865
to teach Bible survey at the College of the Bible in Lexington. He taught there
for 40 years, served as president for 16 years, and resigned as president at the
age of 80.

The classroom was McGarvey's throne, as he knew what he taught and then taught
what he knew. It has been said the McGarvey never read a lesson text in the
classroom but quoted the lesson from the Old or New Testament. The London Times
wrote, "In all probability, John W. McGarvey is the ripest Bible scholar on
earth." Some of the preachers he trained were eloquent and some were not, but
all were oriented with a strong biblical foundation.

McGarvey was a very prolific writer. For more than 40 years articles flowed from
his pen to such periodicals as the Millennial Harbinger, American Christian
Review, and Lard's Quarterly. He produced commentaries on Matthew,
Mark, Acts, the Gospels (in conjunction with P.Y. Pendleton), and six of the
epistles. In his books McGarvey dealt with criticism against Jonah, the
eldership, the authorship of Deuteronomy, Christian evidences, and other topics.

The earthly struggles of this distinguished scholar ended Oct. 5,1911. His final
words were, "Lord, I come, I come." The funeral was conducted at the Central
building in Lexington. His body was laid to rest in the Lexington cemetery near
the graves of "Raccoon" John Smith,
I.B. Grubbs and Henry
Clay.

One great lesson can be learned from the life of this scholarly servant, and
that is that he gave his very best whether he was a gospel preacher, an elder or
a member of the congregation. He became a man of one book and was not content
with a superficial knowledge of this book, the Bible.

James Thomas McGarvey, a son, complimented his father by saying, "The prodigious
amount of reading which he did was done for the purpose of acquiring the fullest
possible knowledge of the Book." In joyful service did J.W. McGarvey fill life's
cup.

At age 10, his mother had remarried a widower
with 9 children, Gurdon F. Saltonstall. With the six children born
to their new union, the family of 19 children moved to Tremont,
Tazewell County, Illinois

1847

April

At age 18, John enters Bethany college.

A. Campbell makes trip to Great Britain,
arrested, causing up-rise of involvement of students at Bethany to
build national awareness. John went to Wheeling to have
resolutions printed in the press.

1848

Life long friend, Charles Louis Loos graduates
from Bethany

At age 19 John is baptized in Buffalo Creek by
W.K. Pendleton

1850

July 4

Graduates from Bethany College, delivered the
Greek address. Education was secular, not for ministry.

Settles in Fayette, Missouri, where his family
had moved to from Illinois as a result of a Cholera epidemic.
Stays there for 12 years before moving to Kentucky in 1862.

Opened a school for boys – continued personal
studies in Bible, and Latin. (Always regretted not receiving Bible
training at Bethany)

1851

Offered a position at Bethany College to teach
Mathematics by A. Campbell, but declined. Twice more through the
years he was again invited to come to Bethany but declined for
various reasons

1852

September

At age 23, ordained as minister by Alexander
Proctor and T.M. Allen

Itinerate preaching at Fayette, Ashland and
Mt. Pleasant.

Summer

Holds Meeting with Alexander Proctor at Dover,
La Fayette County

1853

January

Moves to Dover

March 23

At age 24, marries Otwayana Frances Hix,
daughter of Otway Bird Hix, a prominent citizen of Fayette. She was
18 years old. Officiated by Alexander Proctor, Morro, p.69

During nearly 10 years a Dover, evangelizes,
begins writing for Benjamin Franklin’s paper, American Christian
Review. Attends at least two debates.

1854

April

First child born, Loulie.

1857

Robert Milligan, president of Kentucky
University invites J.W. McGarvey to come to teach at Harrodsburg,
Ky., but declines the offer

1860

Begins writing a commentary on the book of
Acts. Not completed until autumn of 1863

1862

At age 33, takes the position of minister of
Main St. Church in Lexington, Kentucky upon the departure of Dr.
W.H. Hopson. Lexington is his home until his death in 1911

August 30

While writing at his desk he was distracted by
the drum roll of Confederate forces passing near his home on their
way to a battle in Richmond. After battle family stood on front
porch watching as the victorious Confederates returned.

Fall, Winter

Main St. Church bldg. used as a military
hospital. Church met in the Odd Fellows Hall on cnr. of Main &
Broadway.

1863

Oldest daughter, Loulie, now 10 yrs, 8 mos.,
dies of inflammation of brain due to fever.

John’s mother dies in Missouri, after a brief
visit to Lexington

Autumn

Completes commentary on the book of Acts,
called, A Commentary on the
Book of Acts. “Two inferences have been deduced concerning
this commentary. First, it is a liberal, forward-looking work.
Second, it is J.W. McGarvey's most constructive, most original and
most characteristic production.” Morro, page 93. In it he focused
on the distinctive process of conversion. 1600 printings initially
ordered. Published by Franklin & Rice Publishers. Many reprints
from others since.

J.W. McGarvey became a member of the Kentucky
Female Orphan School. Following year became chairman, and held
this position until 1892, (Morro, p.219)

Began serving as leader in State Meetings.
Served as either Chairman or Secretary for many years.

1864

A son is born

Mid 1860s

J.W.M. submitted several articles to Moses
Lard’s Lard’s Quarterly

Kentucky University building burns at
Harrodsburg, Kentucky

November

Article against Instrumental Music in worship
written by J.W. McGarvey appears in the Millennial Harbinger. (No
article appeared in either Christian Baptist or MH before this
though references to its place in worship had appeared from time
to time)

1865

A daughter is born

Kentucky University moves to Lexington,
Kentucky. Soon after, J.W. McGarvey is invited to become the
Professor of Sacred History in the College of the Bible of
Kentucky University. Classes begin in September.

1866

August

Returned to Dover, Missouri to preach a
meeting. One of his children with him. On return, the stagecoach
he was riding was held up at Warrensburg, Missouri. Very little
was lost.

Sold house in Dover, Missouri. Proceeds
purchased 14 acres of land outside of Lexington and built a large
house.

1867

Resigns from Main St. church, and serves
country congregations. L.B. Wilkes becomes minister at Main St.
Church

1868

March

Conducts funeral for Raccoon John Smith

A son is born

1869

He and four associates, Robert Graham, Moses
E. Lard, W. H. Hopson and L. B. Wilkes, began editing a paper,
The Apostolic Times. He
was active with it until 1875.

Assisted in raising funds for Hocker, later
Hamilton College. Became chairman of the Advisory Board of
Trustees

1870

January

Due to large crowds at Main St. Church,
overflow meetings began on the corner of Main & Broadway. J.W.
McGarvey preached the first Sundays of the month.

April 30

Property purchased on cnr. of Second &
Broadway from Presbyterians, and thus officially began the
Broadway Christian Church. On May 1st J.W. McGarvey
preached (being his regular 1st Sunday to preach)

1871

January 1

Began as full-time minister of Broadway
church. Stayed until 1882 when he resigned to go back to preaching
for country churches.

June

KU Board of Curators appoints an investigation
of the books, esp. concerning KU Regent John Bowman’s purchase of
lands for the College of Agriculture – Division between Bowman and
J.W. McGarvey begins heating up.

June 25

Bowman’s group propose “Second Christian
Church,” at Main St. Church. Group pulls away to form new church.

1872

January 11

J.W. McGarvey requests an investigation by KU
Board of Curators over false accusations made against him that he
was guilty of a conspiracy to remove Regent Bowman

1873

June

J.W. McGarvey cleared and vindicated from
charges made by Bowman and his cronies.

June 26

Due to Bowman’s pressure, the Executive
committee of the college asks for the resignation of J.W. McGarvey

July 3

J.W. McGarvey releases a editorial in the
Apostolic Times of the
request for his resignation, and his disappointment in the
school’s leadership. Sharp controversy ensued throughout the
summer.

August 5

A petition signed by 181 churches was given to
the Executive Board of KU, requesting a reorganization of the
college, and reinstatement of J.W. McGarvey, for the safety of
both church and college.

September 16

Board of Curators stands firm with Bowman on
decision, and dismissal of J.W. McGarvey by Executive Committee
stood firm. The effect was that student attendance took a dive in
favor of J.W. McGarvey. College of the Bible attendance 1870-71
was 122. The 1873-74 attendance was 35. Also attendance fell in
all other colleges of KU.

1875

March 20

Robert Milligan dies, while his commentary on
Hebrews is at press. J.W. McGarvey writes a sketch on his life,
which is included in the volume.

June

Kentucky Education Society was asked to select
possible teachers for COB. Robert Graham suggested as president,
and J.W. McGarvey was suggested to get his old job back. Board
accepts suggestion, offers J.W. McGarvey to return to his post. He
accepts.

Completes and prints commentary on Matthew &
Mark

1876

Retires From editing
The Apostolic Times

1877

June

College of the Bible is reorganized, and
campus moved to the basement of Main Street Church. 1877 began
with 41 students in new College of the Bible

Prints J.S. Lamar’s commentary on Luke

1878

June

Office of Regent of KU, abolished, ending KU’s
connection with John Bowman.

Fall

College of the Bible returns to Kentucky
University. The classes take place on the 2nd and 3rd
floor of Old Morrison. J.W. McGarvey heads the COB serving as
president for the next 16 years.

1879

March 3

Departs for extended tour and research in the
Bible Lands

March 29-April 21

Research in Egypt

April 21-May 25

In Palestine

June 13

To Syria

June 15

Nearly drowns while swimming in the sea near
Sidon.

July 7

Sails from Beirut to Asia Minor, visiting the
sites of the seven churches of Asia.

August

Visited Italy, France & London

September 2

Returns from trip to Bible Lands

Replacing H.H. White, Charles Louis Loos
becomes president of KU at the suggestion of J.W. McGarvey.

1880

COB returns to the campus of KU, under the
presidency of Charles Louis Loos. Robert Graham continued as
president of COB until 1895

Releases his work,
Lands Of The Bible

1882

Jan. 1

Resigned from Broadway Christian Church to
preach for country congregations, but continued as an elder of the
congregation

1886

Released first volume of
Evidences of Christianity

1887

J.W. McGarvey home and library on the
outskirts of Lexington is destroyed by fire.

1891

Second volume of
Evidences Of Christianity released

1892

Standard Publishing Company releases
two-volume version of J.W. McGarvey’s original commentary on the
book of Acts.

Hall Laurie Calhoun, graduates, personally
groomed by J.W. McGarvey to someday return to become president. He
does return in 1904 to teach, but only serves as interim president
after J.W. McGarvey dies in 1911.

1892-93

COB student body reaches high of 187 students

1893

January 7

J.W.G. began a new department on Biblical
Criticism in the Christian
Standard

Sales of Lands of the Bible exceeded 17,000
copies

Summer

J.W. McGarvey preached a series of sermons at
the Broadway Christian Church. The Guide Publishing Co. produced
them into a book entitled,
McGarvey’s Sermons – 2 Sermons added.

J.W. McGarvey’s class notes are published

1895

March

Robert Graham resigns as president of the
College of the Bible. J.W. McGarvey takes the presidency for the
next 16 years, until his death in October, 1911.

Aug, Sept. Oct

J.W. McGarvey publishes in the
Christian Standard,
articles on Biblical Criticism, specifically on a study of Jonah

1896

Jesus and Jonah is published from articles in
the Christian Standard
the previous year.

1901

January

Robert Graham, long time friend of J.W.
McGarvey dies in Lexington, buried at Lexington Cemetery

1902

September 21

Church at Broadway celebrates fifty years of
the preaching of J.W. McGarvey. Had been elder since the church’s
inception in 1870. Resigned at the end of the festivities
surrounding his 50th.

November 2

In anticipation of Broadway adding the
instrument of music, J.W. McGarvey withdraws his membership from
Broadway and begins meeting with the Chestnut Street Church.
During this time his arguments against the use of the instrument
were presented in the
Evening Leader. Instrument added at Broadway in 1903. W.H.
Allen was minister at Chestnut Street. He said, "Brother McGarvey,
we would rather have you than ten thousand aids to worship."
Attends there the rest of his life.

1905

Issued with P.Y. Pendleton his work entitled,
The Four-Fold Gospel

1909

March 1

J.W. McGarvey’s 80th birthday
celebration. A large print, leather Bible was presented to him in
chapel from the faculty and students of the COB. Also, a cake with
80 candles was presented. Offered to resign, but was told to
continue as long as health would allow. He presided 2 more years.

1911

October

Death Of J.W. McGarvey

1912

March 1

B.C. Deweese gives a Memorial Address at the
College of the Bible honoring J.W. McGarvey

1940

February

W.C. Morro completes the Forward to the book,
Brother McGarvey: The Life
Of President J.W. McGarvey of the College Of The Bible, Lexington,
Ky

—Prepared
by Scott Harp, March, 2009 —
Source: Brother McGarvey: The Life
Of President J.W. McGarvey of the College Of The Bible, Lexington, Ky,
by W.C. Morro, c.1940

Directions To Grave: Lexington Cemetery is one of the most
beautiful old cemeteries in America. It is located on West Main Street heading
away from downtown Lexington toward Leestown Pike. Turn right into the main
entrance past the office. Stay on Main Avenue passing Henry Clay Monument on the
left. Go until you see Section "F" on the left. The grave is not far from the
road.